Tips for Getting the Sleep You Need
It seems as though we spend the majority of our lives trying to catch up on sleep. Once we pass the teenage years, sleep becomes harder and harder to come by. Unfortunately, the older we get, the more valuable sleep becomes and the less we get of it. If you find yourself in the throngs of people that don’t get enough sleep, here are some tips for getting a better night’s rest:
Make a schedule- It might seem difficult to do at times, but sticking to a schedule will prove beneficial in the long run. You don’t have to stick to a bedtime of 8:00 as you may have done as a child, but going to bed at roughly the same time every night and waking up at roughly the same hour each morning will help to set your biological clock. If you stick to your schedule, your body will adapt, and before you know it, the alarm clock will prove unnecessary.
Exercise- Exercise is great for the body, as most people already know. It burns calories, builds muscle, and increases energy. For sleep purposes, it also tires the body and prepares it for rest. Keeping an exercise routine will go a long way in helping to produce quality sleep. For the best results, don’t exercise too close to bedtime, or you might find an unwanted energy boost.
Caffeine- A lot of people need a cup of java in the morning to awaken themselves and feel like a functioning adult. That’s ok! If you’re trying to improve sleeping habits, however, skip afternoon caffeine. Caffeine in the afternoons will keep your mind and body hyped up and ready to go. While this is great for a day at work, it’ll be counterproductive for a good night’s sleep.
Wind down- A lot of the time, people are unable to fall asleep because their mind is still racing after a busy day. It’s important to take time before bed to wind down your body and mind. It’s even better if you make it a part of your sleeping schedule. It doesn’t matter what you do as long as your wind down works for you. Read a book, take a shower, watch some tv...whatever! Just find something that works, and stick to it.
Getting better sleep will make you more productive at home, work, and play. Practicing good sleep habits will increase your chances of quality sleep and have you feeling better than ever in no time.